Download Accelerator Plus

CNET Editors' review

by: Jaymar Cabebe on May 28, 2012

Just as in previous versions, Download Accelerator Plus 10 (free) boosts your download speeds by breaking files into smaller pieces, connecting to and downloading from multiple sources simultaneously, and even seeking out faster mirrors. What's different with this newest version, though, is the more streamlined engine that now offers features in the form of "add-ons." This means you can supplement your boosted download speeds (200 to 400 percent faster in many cases) with only the additional features that you want.

One of the most useful add-ons that you can enable in version 10 is DAPsters. If you download files from RapidShare.com or similar sites, this feature will come in handy. Basically, it minimizes the annoying pages that usually precede downloads on those popular file-transfer sites and fast-tracks you to the CAPTCHA step (if there is one).

Another great add-on is the Link Checker, which identifies valid and invalid download links before you actually hit the download button. It shows a small icon next to valid links on download pages, so you don't have to waste time trying out all of the different download sources.

Other add-ons include a Media Preview, Zip Preview, Internet Browser, and Video Downloader & Converter. I didn't see an FTP client, though, which was available in previous versions. Also available is a SPEEDbit Video Accelerator, which is offered as a bundled download during setup. Not only that, DAP 10 serves up quite a few annoying pop-up messages encouraging you to download and install it. I tried this feature and was less than impressed. I didn't notice much of a boost, and found the Video Acceleration status window intrusive.

Overall, I found DAP 10 to be extremely adept at performing its core function of accelerating downloads. I noticed the boosts consistently. It's also nice that version 10 lets you customize your experience by adding on only the features that you want. This add-on platform also bodes well for the future, as SPEEDbit is openly asking developers to create new offerings for their program.

Publisher's Description

From Speedbit:

Download Accelerator Plus (DAP) 10, the world's fastest and most popular Download Manager and Accelerator, has been installed over 300 million times. DAP accelerates your downloads to the fastest possible speed. DAP provides file management tools that allow you to download efficiently and save time. DAP's patented, award winning, multi-channel technology empowers you to download videos, applications, photos and music files with a higher level of speed and efficiency. DAP 10's Video Downloader and Converter lets you download web videos from such sites as Facebook and DailyMotion and is not just the fastest and easiest to use, but it also supports more sites than any other Video Downloader. Instant Video Play lets you watch and listen to your content as you download and within seconds from starting to download. The new DAPsters Manager feature offers a one-click solution for downloading from hosting sites such as RapidShare and Hotfile. DAP 10 Link Checker validates the download link directly from the browser. The new DAP includes past favorite features such as the Automatic Mirroring Speed Boost that switches to mirror sites for a faster downloading experience. Your privacy and security are never compromised with DAP's innovative download security technology. Speedbit's Multi Anti-Virus (MAV) technology lets you receive notice of threats from the most popular anti-virus programs, helping you protect your computer from harmful viruses. Speedbit Video Accelerator seamlessly uses the cutting-edge acceleration technology to significantly cut down web videos loading time, reducing annoying buffering and pauses. Using Speedbit Video Accelerator you will watch videos on Facebook, DailyMotion and the hottest video sites smoothly, and it will also accelerate your iTunes downloads. With Speedbit's translation wiki and thanks to the help of Speedbit's millions of users worldwide, DAP was translated to 42 languages. DAP10 is the fastest free download manager.

What's new in this version: Version 10.0.5.3 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

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